Nakauvadra Community Based Reforestation Project

Summary

This project has been developed by Conservation International according to the Climate Community and Biodiversity (CCB) standard and with funding support from Fiji Water. The project is located in Ra province on the island of Viti Levu and is comprised of 1,135 ha of reforestation plots and a 11,387 ha forest refuge that has been designed as a key biodiversity area for protection purposes.

The objective of the project is to develop a multiple benefit, community based reforestation project that increases forest cover around the Nakauvadra Range and creates local jobs and livelihood benefits in both the short and long term. An estimated 280,000 tonnes of CO2 will be sequestered over the lifespan of the project (30 years) as a result of project activities. However, the project will not be generating tradable carbon credits and is instead fully funded through a grant from Fiji Water.

In order to provide for long-term income opportunities for local communities the project will incorporate reforestation of hardwood timber species on 28% of the total project area that can be sustainably harvested. The remaining reforestation area will be planted with native and endemic species to create a “green wall” around the pristine upland and cloud forest ecosystems.  CI is also working with local communities to create additional income generating opportunities from so called livelihood enterprises, mostly focusing on agriculture.

In October 2013 the Nakauvadra Community Based Reforestation Project achieved Gold level validation for the CCB standard, second edition. At the national level there are discussions to include the Nakauvadra project as one of the national REDD+ pilot sites.